Adam Peaty ready to roar to world title in record time

There are several imposing statues of lions dotted round the elegant Hungarian capital. None of which, of course, will move like the lion inked on Adam Peaty’s left shoulder during tonight’s 100 metres breaststroke final.

Peaty, the Olympic champion, is heavily favoured to retain his world title after setting a World Championship record in yesterday’s semi-final.

The 22-year-old had energy to spare in posting 57.75 seconds and will step up to the blocks tonight safe in the knowledge that no other finalist has ever dipped below 58 sec.

“Hopefully I can get a little bit faster tonight,” he said. “I didn’t really see that I did a record, I just wanted to enjoy the crowd, and do my best.”

Whether Peaty can shave a further 0.62 secs off and lower the world record he set at last summer’s Olympics remains to be seen. He said: “I probably could’ve got out a little bit more, but you don’t really want to empty the tank. I was doing it and I was like ‘right, I’m a little bit tired, but I could’ve stepped up again’. There’s always room and that’s what turns a 57.7 into a 57.1.”

He needs to conserve some energy in a packed schedule this week. He added: “I’m looking to win, obviously, but I need that endurance to win the 50m and come back and hopefully put a good show on for the 4x100m relay.”

Fellow Briton Ross Murdoch could join him on the podium tonight after lowering his season’s best twice in one day to qualify seventh fastest.